Momentum steering system for a vehicle or carriers

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a steering system for use in a vehicle or carrier. In embodiments, the steering system comprises a first tilt shaft for connecting to a first load-bearing body of a vehicle and a second tilt shaft for connecting to a second load-bearing body of a vehicle. In embodiments, a spacer element connects the first tilt shaft to the second tilt shaft. The spacer element and tilt shafts are adapted such that the first tilt shaft and second tilt shaft are capable of partially rotating about the longitudinal direction of the tilt shafts independently of each other. The invention also relates to a vehicle, carrier and/or a split deck pushboard comprising one or more embodiments of the steering system.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a steering system for a vehicle or carrierscomprising at least two connected load-bearing bodies. The steeringsystem allows one load-bearing body of a vehicle to be steeredindependently of another connected load-bearing body of the vehicle. Inparticular, the disclosure relates to a steering system suitable for usein a vehicle, such as a pushboard for example, comprising a split deckwhere the improved steering system allows one deck to be steeredindependently of the other deck.

2. Description of the Related Art

Well known examples of vehicles or carriers (for example, twoarticulated trailers that are towed by a vehicle and are notself-driven) comprising two or more load-bearing bodies that areconnected together and that have limited steering ability includearticulated trucks, buses, trains, monorails, skateboards, andpushboards. It is also well-known that the steering systems in suchvehicles are generally configured such that the forward-mostload-bearing body is steered and the following load-bearing bodyconnected to the forward-most body follows the same path of direction asthe forward-most body and is unable to be steered independently. Suchsteering systems do not provide for controlled steering of suchvehicles, especially around corners, for example, where articulatedtrucks and buses must use a wide steering circle to negotiate a sharpcorner.

Skateboards having prior art steering systems are also unable to providewell-controlled steering, especially around sharp corners.

For example, a typical prior art skateboard comprises a single elongatedplatform having two wheels sets mounted fore and aft to the underside ofthe platform. These wheel sets are generally attached to the platformusing skateboard ‘trucks’, which steer the wheels when the rider tiltsthe board to the left or right by placing pressure on the respectiveside of the skateboard. The trucks usually comprise a resilient cushion,which can be compressed somewhat to turn a corner, but which generallyresists tilting.

A rider typically steers such a skateboard by putting pressure on oneside of the board, causing the outside wheels to arc around the insidewheels on which the pressure is focused such that the skateboard turnsin the direction of pressure. The rear wheels of the skateboardsubstantially follow the path taken by the forward wheels.

Because the fore and aft skateboard trucks are unable to steerindependently and because the trucks substantially resist tilting, theskateboard is not capable of turning sharp corners with all four wheelson the ground. As such, the skateboard offers limited maneuverability.

To provide a skateboard with increased maneuverability, U.S. Pat. No.4,082,306 discloses a skateboard comprising two platforms joined by atorsion bar. This skateboard allows the rider to tilt the fore and afttrucks independently. However, this skateboard does not allow for atighter turning radius.

Described below are embodiments of a new steering system for a vehicleor carrier that goes at least some way toward overcoming at least one ofthe abovementioned disadvantages, or to at least to provide a usefulalternative.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide a steering system foruse in a vehicle or carrier, the steering system comprising: a firsttilt shaft for connecting to a first load-bearing body of a vehicle orcarrier and a second tilt shaft for connecting to a second load-bearingbody of the vehicle or carrier; and a spacer element for connecting thefirst tilt shaft to the second tilt shaft; wherein the spacer elementand tilt shafts are adapted such that the first tilt shaft and secondtilt shaft are capable of partially rotating about the longitudinaldirection of the tilt shafts independently of each other.

In another aspect, disclosed embodiments provide a vehicle or carriercomprising: a first load-bearing body and a second load-bearing body,each load-bearing body comprising carrying means; a first cylindricaltilt shaft projecting from the first load-bearing body and a secondcylindrical tilt shaft projecting from the second load-bearing body, thefirst and second tilt shafts being connected together by a spacerelement; wherein the spacer element and tilt shafts are adapted suchthat the first tilt shaft and second tilt shaft are capable of partiallyrotating about the longitudinal direction of the tilt shaftsindependently of each other.

In yet another aspect, disclosed embodiments provide a pushboardcomprising: a first platform having a lower surface from which projectsa wheel assembly and a first shaft support; and a second platform havinga lower surface from which projects a wheel assembly and a second shaftsupport; a first tilt shaft projecting from the first shaft support anda second tilt shaft projecting from the second shaft support, the firstand second tilt shafts being connected together by a spacer element;wherein the spacer element and tilt shafts are adapted such that thefirst tilt shaft and second tilt shaft are capable of partially rotatingabout the longitudinal direction of the pushboard independently of eachother.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second wheel assemblies eachcomprises a truck that is angled generally between 30 and 75 from therespective platform base to which the wheel assembly is attached.

In a one embodiment, the first and second tilt shafts are substantiallycylindrical and each comprise at least one engagement slot positioned oneach tilt shaft substantially perpendicular to the direction ofprojection of the tilt shafts. The spacer element is substantiallyhollow, the substantially hollow interior adapted to rotatably housedistal ends of each tilt shaft therein. The spacer element comprises apair of engagement apertures positioned to align with respectiveengagement slots when the first and second tilt shafts are housed withinthe spacer element. A pair of engagement pins project through alignedengagement apertures and engagement slots to attach the spacer elementto the tilt shafts, each engagement pin being able to slide along thedirection of the respective engagement slot through which it projectssuch that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotate independentlywithin the spacer element.

In an alternative embodiment, the spacer element is substantiallycylindrical and comprises at least two engagement slots positioned onthe spacer element substantially perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the spacer element. The distal ends of the first and secondtilt shafts are substantially hollow, the substantially hollow interiorof the tilt shafts being adapted to rotatably house distal ends of thespacer element therein. The first and second tilt shafts each compriseat least one engagement aperture positioned to align with at least onerespective engagement slot when the spacer element is housed within thetilt shafts. A pair of engagement pins project through alignedengagement apertures and engagement slots to attach the spacer elementto the tilt shafts, each engagement pin being able to slide along thedirection of the respective engagement slot through which it projectssuch that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotate independentlywithin the spacer element.

In another alternative embodiment, the first and second tilt shafts aresubstantially cylindrical and each comprise at least one engagementaperture. The spacer element is substantially hollow, the substantiallyhollow interior adapted to rotatably house distal ends of each tiltshaft therein. The spacer element comprises a pair of engagement slotspositioned on the spacer element substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction of the spacer element. Each engagement slot ispositioned to align with at least one respective engagement aperturewhen the first and second tilt shafts are housed within the spacerelement. A pair of engagement pins project through aligned engagementapertures and engagement slots to attach the spacer element to the tiltshafts, each engagement pin being able to slide along the direction ofthe respective engagement slot through which it projects such that eachtilt shaft is able to partially rotate independently within the spacerelement.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the spacer element issubstantially cylindrical and comprises at least two engagementapertures. The distal ends of the first and second tilt shafts aresubstantially hollow, the substantially hollow interior of the tiltshafts being adapted to rotatably house distal ends of the spacerelement therein. The first and second tilt shafts each comprise at leastone engagement slot positioned substantially perpendicular to thedirection of projection of the tilt shafts and positioned to align withat least one respective engagement slot when the spacer element ishoused within the tilt shafts. A pair of engagement pins project throughaligned engagement apertures and engagement slots to attach the spacerelement to the tilt shafts, each engagement pin being able to slidealong the direction of the respective engagement slot through which itprojects such that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotateindependently within the spacer element.

In embodiments, each engagement pin may be in the form of a nut and boltarrangement where the bolt has a shaft that extends through the opposingslots and is secured to the spacer element by a nut.

In a preferred embodiment, each tilt shaft comprises a pair of opposingengagement slots near a distal end of each tilt shaft and each end ofthe spacer element comprises a pair of opposing engagement aperturesadapted to align with respective engagement slots when the tilt shaftsare connected to the spacer element.

In another preferred embodiment, the spacer element comprises a pair ofopposing engagement slots near each end of the spacer element and eachtilt shaft comprises a pair of opposing engagement apertures adapted toalign with respective engagement slots when the tilt shafts areconnected to the spacer element.

In embodiments, each tilt shaft may comprise at least one lock apertureand the spacer element may comprise at least two lock aperturespositioned to align with lock apertures of the tilt shafts when the tiltshafts are connected to the spacer element.

In a preferred embodiment, the tilt shafts each comprise a pair ofopposing lock apertures and the spacer element comprises two pairs ofopposing lock apertures, one pair of opposing lock apertures beingpositioned to align with opposing lock apertures of one tilt shaft andthe other pair of opposing lock apertures being positioned to align withopposing lock apertures of the other tilt shaft when the tilt shafts areconnected to the spacer element via a locking pin projecting through thelock apertures. In embodiments, the engagement apertures in the spacerelement may serve as lock apertures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference tothe drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pushboard having anexemplary steering system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 after wheelshave been removed;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 after a spacerelement has been removed; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand thatembodiments of the invention may be practiced without those details.

Embodiments of the steering system are able to be used with vehicles orcarriers comprising at least two load-bearing bodies connected together.Embodiments of the steering system for controlled and independentsteering of both load-bearing bodies, such that the exemplary steeringsystems provide improved steering ability and greater corneringstability in vehicles fitted with the steering system.

In embodiments the term “carrier” as used herein, generally relates toan apparatus comprising two or more connected load-bearing bodies thatare towed. Thus, in some embodiments, the load-bearing bodies are notself-driven. An example of such a carrier, is an articulated trailerwhere the two or more load-bearing bodies of the trailer are connectedtogether and are towed by a truck or other self-propelled conveyance. Inembodiments, a vehicle may comprise one or more carriers. In otherembodiments, a vehicle may be a carrier.

Embodiments of the steering system will now be described with referenceto the drawings, in which an exemplary embodiment is shown applied to apushboard. However, although not shown, it is envisaged that embodimentsof the steering system could also be applied to numerous other vehicles.For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the steering system couldbe applied to a snowboard, a tilt train, a monorail, or a haulage truckor snowmobile with one or more trailers. Embodiments of the steeringsystem could also be used in relation to two trailers connected by thesteering system.

In reference to the drawings, one embodiment of steering systemcomprises a first tilt shaft 9 for connecting to a first load-bearingbody of a vehicle and a second tilt shaft 9 for connecting to a secondload-bearing body of a vehicle. A spacer element 12 is used to connectthe first tilt shaft 9 to the second tilt shaft 9, the spacer element 12being substantially hollow and being adapted to house distal ends of thetilt shafts 9 within its substantially hollow interior.

The tilt shafts 9 may each comprise at least one engagement slot 10perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tilt shafts 9. In apreferred embodiment, each tilt shaft 9 comprises a pair of opposingengagement slots 10 near the distal end of each tilt shaft 9. The spacerelement 12 comprises at least two engagement apertures 13, eachengagement aperture 13 adapted to align with an engagement slot 10 of atilt shaft 9 when the tilt shafts are housed within the spacer element12.

The steering system also comprises a pair of engagement pins 14. Eachengagement pin is adapted to project through an aligned engagementaperture 13 and engagement slot 10 to connect the tilt shafts 9 to thespacer element 12. Each engagement pin 14 is capable of sliding alongthe engagement slot 10 through which the pin 14 projects such that thetilt shafts 9 are able to rotate independently within the spacer element12.

As shown in FIG. 1, embodiments can be used with a vehicle or carrier,such as a pushboard for example, that comprises two connectedload-bearing bodies. Each load-bearing body comprises a platform 1 andcarrying means in the form of a pushboard truck 2, at least one wheelpivot axle 5, and at least one pair of wheels 15. A relieved area on theunderside of the platform is provided to avoid interference with thewheels.

In other exemplary embodiments, applied to different vehicles, theload-bearing bodies may each comprise slightly different components. Forexample, in certain embodiments of the steering system applied to atrain, each load-bearing body would comprise a carriage attached tocarrying means comprising a plurality of wheels. In certain embodimentsof the steering system applied to a monorail, then no wheels may berequired if the vehicle is magnetically levitating, in which case, thecarrying means would be in the form of a magnet. In certain embodimentsof the steering system applied to a snowmobile with one or moretrailers, each load-bearing body would comprise a carriage (which may bethe snowmobile itself or a trailer) and carrying means in the form of aplurality of skis, or caterpillar tracks.

For the purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the steeringsystem when applied to an appropriate vehicle, embodiments will now bedescribed in relation to a split-deck pushboard. However, it will beappreciated that although the steering system is described in relationto a split-deck pushboard, the steering system may also be used inrelation to other appropriate articulated vehicles.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an exemplary steering system can be applied toa split-deck pushboard that comprises a first platform or deck 1connected to a second platform 1 and a spacer element 12 therebetween.Pushboard trucks 2 are attached to the bottom surface of each platform.The pushboard trucks 2 hold wheel assemblies that each comprise a wheelpivot axle 5 and wheels 15 attached to the wheel pivot axles 5. Thewheels 15 may be attached to the wheel pivot axles 5 in an appropriatemanner known in the art.

In embodiments, steering system comprises a tilt shaft 9, in the form ofa cylindrical bar, that projects from a shaft support or tilt shaftbracket 7 attached to each truck 2. Each tilt shaft bracket 7 comprisesa sleeve within which a tilt shaft 9 is positioned and secured in place.

Although the tilt shaft bracket/support 7 is shown embodiments as asleeve attached to a pushboard truck 2, it is envisaged that the tiltshaft brackets or supports 7 may take on other forms as would be readilyapparent to a person skilled in the art. The bracket/support may simplybe a supporting face to which the tilt shaft is attached by welds, forexample. Furthermore, it is not essential for the tilt shaftbracket/supports to be attached to pushboard trucks. For example, a tiltshaft bracket/support may be directly attached to the lower surface of aplatform of the pushboard or to another part of the load-bearing body aswould be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Thus, it is envisaged that different forms of tilt shaftsupports/brackets could be used and could be attached to eachload-bearing body or platform using various means in order to provide asupport from which a tilt shaft can project. Such forms of tilt shaftsupports/brackets would be readily apparent to a person skilled in theart in light of the present disclosure.

Turning now to the tilt shafts in embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, eachtilt shaft 9 comprises at least one engagement slot 10 positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the direction in which the tilt shaft 9projects, as shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, each tilt shaftcomprises a pair of opposing engagement slots 10.

The engagement slot(s) 10 may be located near the distal end of the tiltshaft 9, as shown in FIG. 3. However, it is envisaged that theengagement slot(s) may be located in other locations along the tiltshaft. It is also envisioned in embodiments that the engagement slot(s)are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal directionof the tilt shaft.

In embodiments, tilt shafts 9 may be hollow or substantially hollow, atleast in the area of the engagement slot(s) 10, so that that anengagement pin 14 (described below) can project through the engagementslot(s) in a tilt shaft 9 and be held in the slot(s) 10 to connect thetilt shaft 9 to the spacer element 12, whilst being capable of slidingalong the direction of the slot(s) 10.

In certain embodiments, each platform 1, attached pushboard truck 2,wheel pivot axle 5, wheels 15, and tilt shaft 9 together form aload-bearing body.

Two load-bearing bodies are connected to each other by connecting thetilt shaft 9 of one load-bearing body with the tilt shaft 9 of the otherload-bearing body via a spacer element 12 and engagement means.

The spacer element 12 is substantially hollow with a circular internalcross-section that is dimensioned to house each substantiallycylindrical tilt shaft 9 such that each tilt shaft 9 is free to rotatearound its longitudinal axis within the spacer element 12.

The spacer element 12 has two opposing distal ends and comprises atleast one engagement aperture 13. If the tilt shafts of the pushboardeach comprise opposing engagement slots 10, then the spacer element willtypically be provided with a pair of opposing engagement apertures 13.The engagement apertures 13 are positioned on the spacer element 12 sothat they align with engagement slots 10 on the tilt shafts 9 when thetilt shafts 9 are positioned within the spacer element 12.

To connect the tilt shafts 9 to the spacer element 12, the spacerelement 12 is positioned over the distal ends of each tilt shaft 9(similar to a collar or sleeve) so that the distal ends of the tiltshafts 9 are housed within the spacer element 12 and the engagementslots 10 in the tilt shafts 9 align with the respective engagementapertures 13 in the spacer element 12.

An engagement pin 14 is positioned through each of the alignedengagement aperture(s) 13 and slot(s) 10. The engagement pins 14 areeach secured in place to retain the tilt shafts 9 within the spacerelement 12. The engagement pins 14 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 are in theform of a bolt that is positioned through opposing engagement apertures13 and opposing slots 10 and is secured in place by a nut.

In a second embodiment of the steering system (not shown), theengagement slots may be positioned on the spacer element instead of onthe tilt shafts, and corresponding engagement apertures may bepositioned on the tilt shafts to align with the engagement slots.

In a third embodiment of the steering system (not shown), the distalends of the tilt shafts are substantially hollow and have an internalcross-section that is substantially circular. The spacer element issubstantially cylindrical and is adapted to be housed within the distalends of the tilt shafts. The spacer element comprises first and secondengagement slots. The first engagement slot is positioned to align withan engagement aperture located on the first tilt shaft and the secondengagement slot is positioned to align with an engagement aperturelocated on the second tilt shaft. A first engagement pin projectsthrough the first engagement slot and aligned engagement aperture toconnect the spacer element to the tilt shaft of the first load-bearingbody. A second engagement pin projects through the second engagementslot and aligned engagement aperture to connect the spacer element tothe tilt shaft of the second load-bearing body. The engagement pins areable to slide along the direction of the engagement slots such that eachtilt shaft is able to partially rotate about its longitudinal axisindependently of the other tilt shaft.

In a fourth alternative embodiment of the steering system (not shown),the engagement slots may be positioned on the tilt shafts instead of onthe spacer element, and corresponding engagement apertures may bepositioned on the spacer element to align with the engagement slots, asset out in the embodiments described above. However, in this fourthembodiment, the spacer element is substantially cylindrical and isadapted to be housed within the distal ends of the tilt shafts, as setout in the third embodiment described above. Again, a first engagementpin projects through one engagement slot and aligned engagement apertureto connect the spacer element to the tilt shaft of one load-bearingbody. A second engagement pin projects through another engagement slotand aligned engagement aperture to connect the spacer element to thetilt shaft of the other load-bearing body. The engagement pins are ableto slide along the direction of the engagement slots such that each tiltshaft is able to partially rotate about its longitudinal axisindependently of the other tilt shaft.

Embodiments of the steering system may also comprise an additionallocking feature that allows the vehicle to be steered in a moreconventional manner. To provide this locking feature, the tilt shafts 9,can be fixedly attached to the spacer element 12 without rotating withinor around the spacer element. To achieve this effect, the tilt shaftsand the spacer element each include at least one lock aperture 11 a, 11b. In preferred embodiments, the tilt shafts and spacer element eachcomprise a pair of substantially opposing lock apertures 11 a, 11 bthrough which a locking pin can project. The lock apertures arepositioned to align with each other when the tilt shafts 9 arepositioned within or around the spacer element 12.

When the lock apertures 11 a, 11 b are aligned, a locking pin ispositioned to project through the lock apertures and is secured inposition to lock the tilt shafts in position within the spacer element.In embodiments, the locking pin fits snugly within the lock apertures sothat the tilt shafts are firmly held in position and are unable to tilt.

The engagement pin 14 may serve as a locking pin if it is removed fromthe engagement slots 10 and positioned instead within the lock apertures11 a, 11 b. Alternatively, a specific locking pin may be used to lockthe tilt shafts in position via the lock apertures 11 a, 11 b.

Thus, a vehicle having the additional locking feature can be set up tobe steered in the manner typical of single platform vehicles, such aspushboards for example, when the tilt shaft is locked against the spacerelement via the lock apertures; or the vehicle can be set up so thatboth load-bearing bodies in the pushboard can be steered independently.

In embodiments, for example a small vehicle such as a pushboard, thevehicle is able to be dismantled into at least three parts consisting ofthe first load-bearing body, the second load-bearing body, and thespacer element. The dismantled vehicle or pushboard can be easilytransported, packaged, or stored away.

When a vehicle comprising certain embodiments of the steering system isset up so that the engagement pins 14 project through, and are free toslide along, the engagement slots 10 along the direction of the slots,the tilt shafts 9 are able to partially rotate within the spacer element12 independently of each other. This allows the load-bearing bodies ofthe vehicle (or platforms for example) to tilt independently from eachother about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or pushboard to agreater extent than the degree of tilt possible in corresponding priorart vehicles or pushboards.

Where embodiments of the steering system are applied to a pushboard, forexample, the greater degree of tilt offered by the steering system overprior art pushboards, has the advantage that the cornering ability ofthe pushboard is greatly enhanced and the rider has better control overthe steering of the pushboard, so that the pushboard is safer.Furthermore, by allowing the platforms to tilt independently from eachother and to tilt to such an extent, embodiments of the disclosed systemallow, for example a pushboard, to carry out steering maneuvers notavailable in prior art pushboards. For example, the first load-bearingbody or platform can be steered independently from the second body orplatform and can turn sharp corners whilst keeping all four wheels onthe ground.

Another advantage offered to a vehicle or pushboard comprising one ormore embodiments of the steering system is that each load-bearing bodyof the vehicle or pushboard is better able to follow the contours of theland without being limited by the movement, or lack of movement, or theother connected load-bearing body.

In addition, the vehicle or pushboard is more stable when going overbumps and stones, because each platform can tilt to retain a horizontalposition, even if the wheel(s) on one side of one or both platforms areraised.

Yet another advantage is that a vehicle comprising one or moreembodiments of the steering system can be steered from the frontplatform and/or from the rear platform. This differs from some prior artvehicles, such as pushboards where the rear wheels follow the frontwheels.

Where an embodiment of the steering system is applied to a pushboard,one form of pushboard truck that can be used is an angled truck similarto that disclosed in WO9835872A1.

Another form of pushboard truck that can be used is depicted in FIGS. 1to 3. In embodiments, each pushboard truck comprises a top plate bywhich the truck is attached to the lower surface of a pushboardplatform. An axle bracket 3 projects from the top plate at an angle,generally between 30 to 75 degrees from the top plate but other anglescould also be used. In a preferred embodiment, a 45 degree angle ofprojection is used. However, it is envisaged that in some instances, theaxle bracket may extend at angles less than 30 degrees, or more than 75degrees, from the top plate. In embodiments, the axle bracket is adaptedto hold a wheel pivot axle 5, to which the wheels are attached in amanner that is readily known to a person skilled in the art.

One form of axle bracket 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, comprises a pairof opposing plates separated by a bush 4 to which is connected the pivotaxle 5. The bush 4 is attached to the axle bracket 3 by a pin 6, whichin embodiments may be a nut and bolt assembly. The bush 4 and pivot axle5 are able to rotate, to some extent, about the pin 6 when pressure isapplied to one side of the platform 1. The angled pivot axles 5 allowfor progressive controlled turning of the axles 5. This controlledturning is an advantage afforded by the pivot axles 5 and is animprovement on standard trucks.

Because the pivot axle 5 can rotate around the pin 6, the pushboard isable to turn in the usual manner when pressure is applied to one side ofa platform 1. However, the angled truck arrangement provides theadvantage that a rider has more controlled steering of the pushboardbecause pressure on one side of the platform 1 of the pushboard willmore readily turn the pivot axle 5 about the pin 6 than in prior artpushboard trucks.

In another embodiment, the pivot axles may pivot relative to the spacerelement, substantially horizontally along a plane substantially parallelwith the platform/deck of the pushboard.

When an embodiment of the angled pivot axles 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 areused on a pushboard or other appropriate vehicle together with one ormore embodiments of the steering system, the steering system of theboard/vehicle may be operated in certain embodiments by moving theangled pivot axles 5 in a controlled manner by rotating and leaningvertically and horizontally. The platforms 1 have the ability to tiltindependently of each other through the partially rotatable union of thetilt shafts 9 and spacer element 12. This, in turn, allows the angledpivot axles 5 to rotate in a controlled manner, which allows the riderto power the board/vehicle or to turn it in either direction. To enhancethe steering even further, it is possible to rotate the two platforms 1around the two tilt shafts 9, which further increases the steeringability.

In other embodiments, it is also possible to lock the tilt shafts 9 inposition with respect to the spacer element by using locking pins thatproject through the spacer element 12 and tilt shafts 9 to lock eachpart in position relative to the other. This allows the rider to use thesame board/vehicle for a different style of riding.

In alternate embodiments, each engagement pin may be a retractable pinbiased toward a projecting position and attached to a tilt shaft forengaging with an engagement slot, or substantially opposing engagementslots, in the spacer element when the pin is in the projecting position.In such embodiments, engagement apertures in the tilt shafts may notunnecessary. For example, such resilient pins may be instead positionedon the spacer element for engagement with engagement slots positioned onthe tilt shafts as the case may be.

While the steering system has been described in relation to pushboards,it will be appreciated that the steering system also relates to otherarticulated vehicles, such as split-deck snowboards or sandboards, orany vehicle that comprises two or more load-bearing bodies that areconnected to each other, such as a car and trailer, truck and trailer,snowmobile and trailer, train, monorail, pushchair towing a toddlerstanding platform, or the like. Where the steering system is applied tosuch vehicles, the wheels may be replaced with other suitable carryingmeans, such as caterpillar tracks, magnet(s), or skis for example.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, variations and modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not limited except as by the appended claims.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet areincorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of theembodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of thevarious patents, applications and publications to provide yet furtherembodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

1. A steering system for use in a vehicle or carrier, the steeringsystem comprising: a first tilt shaft configured to connect to a firstload-bearing body and a second tilt shaft configured to connect to asecond load-bearing body; and a spacer element configured to connect thefirst tilt shaft to the second tilt shaft; wherein the spacer elementand tilt shafts are adapted such that when connected the first tiltshaft and second tilt shaft are each capable of partially rotating abouta longitudinal direction independently of each other.
 2. The steeringsystem of claim 1 wherein the first and second tilt shafts aresubstantially cylindrical and each comprise at least one engagement slotpositioned on each tilt shaft substantially perpendicular to a directionof projection of the tilt shaft; and wherein the spacer elementcomprises a substantially hollow interior, the substantially hollowinterior adapted to rotatably house a distal end of each tilt shafttherein, the spacer element comprising a pair of engagement aperturespositioned to align with respective engagement slots when the first andsecond tilt shafts are housed within the spacer element; and wherein thepushboard further comprises a pair of engagement pins adapted to projectthrough aligned engagement apertures and engagement slots to attach thespacer element to the tilt shafts, each engagement pin configured toslide along a direction of the respective engagement slot through whichit projects such that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotateindependently within the spacer element.
 3. The steering system of claim1 wherein the spacer element is substantially cylindrical and comprisesat least two engagement slots positioned on the spacer elementsubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the spacerelement; and wherein a distal end of each of the first and second tiltshafts comprise a substantially hollow interior, the substantiallyhollow interior of the tilt shafts being adapted to rotatably housedistal ends of the spacer element therein, the first and second tiltshafts each comprising at least one engagement aperture positioned toalign with at least one respective engagement slot when the spacerelement is housed within the tilt shafts; and wherein the pushboardfurther comprises a pair of engagement pins adapted to project throughaligned engagement apertures and engagement slots to attach the spacerelement to the tilt shafts, each engagement pin configured to slidealong a direction of the respective engagement slot through which itprojects such that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotateindependently within the spacer element.
 4. The steering system of claim1 wherein the first and second tilt shafts are substantially cylindricaland each comprise at least one engagement aperture; and wherein thespacer element comprises a substantially hollow interior, thesubstantially hollow interior adapted to rotatably house a distal end ofeach tilt shaft therein, the spacer element comprising a pair ofengagement slots positioned on the spacer element substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the spacer element, eachengagement slot being positioned to align with at least one respectiveengagement aperture when the first and second tilt shafts are housedwithin the spacer element; and wherein the pushboard further comprises apair of engagement pins adapted to project through aligned engagementapertures and engagement slots to attach the spacer element to the tiltshafts, each engagement pin configured to slide along the direction ofthe respective engagement slot through which it projects such that eachtilt shaft is able to partially rotate independently within the spacerelement.
 5. The steering system of claim 1 wherein the spacer element issubstantially cylindrical and comprises at least two engagementapertures; and wherein a distal end of each of the first and second tiltshafts comprises a substantially hollow interior, the substantiallyhollow interior of each of the tilt shafts being adapted to rotatablyhouse distal ends of the spacer element therein, the first and secondtilt shafts each comprising at least one engagement slot positionedsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of projection of the tiltshafts and positioned to align with at least one respective engagementslot when the spacer element is housed within the tilt shafts; andwherein the pushboard further comprises a pair of engagement pinsadapted to project through aligned engagement apertures and engagementslots to attach the spacer element to the tilt shafts, each engagementpin configured to slide along the direction of the respective engagementslot through which it projects such that each tilt shaft is able topartially rotate independently within the spacer element.
 6. Thesteering system of claim 2, wherein each tilt shaft comprises a pair ofopposing engagement slots near a distal end of each tilt shaft and eachend of the spacer element comprises a pair of opposing engagementapertures adapted to align with respective engagement slots when thetilt shafts are connected to the spacer element.
 7. The steering systemof claim 3, wherein the spacer element comprises a pair of opposingengagement slots near each end of the spacer element and each tilt shaftcomprises a pair of opposing engagement apertures adapted to align withrespective engagement slots when the tilt shafts are connected to thespacer element.
 8. A vehicle, comprising: a first load-bearing body anda second load-bearing body; a first cylindrical tilt shaft projectingfrom the first load-bearing body and a second cylindrical tilt shaftprojecting from the second load-bearing body, the first and second tiltshafts configured to be connected together by a spacer element; whereinthe spacer element and tilt shafts are configured such that whenconnected the first tilt shaft and second tilt shaft are each capable ofpartially rotating about a longitudinal direction of the tilt shaftindependently of the other tilt shaft.
 9. The vehicle of claim 8 whereinthe first and second tilt shafts are substantially cylindrical and eachcomprise at least one engagement slot positioned on each tilt shaftsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of projection of the tiltshaft; and wherein the spacer element comprises a substantially hollowinterior, the substantially hollow interior adapted to rotatably house adistal end of each tilt shaft therein, the spacer element comprising apair of engagement apertures positioned to align with respectiveengagement slots when the first and second tilt shafts are housed withinthe spacer element; and wherein the vehicle further comprises a pair ofengagement pins adapted to project through aligned engagement aperturesand engagement slots to attach the spacer element to the tilt shafts,each engagement pin being able to slide along the direction of therespective engagement slot through which it projects such that each tiltshaft is able to partially rotate independently within the spacerelement.
 10. The vehicle of claim 8 wherein the spacer element issubstantially cylindrical and comprises at least two engagement slotspositioned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction ofthe spacer element; and wherein distal ends of the first and second tiltshafts each comprise a substantially hollow interior, the substantiallyhollow interior of each of the tilt shafts being adapted to rotatablyhouse a distal end of the spacer element therein, the first and secondtilt shafts each comprising at least one engagement aperture positionedto align with at least one respective engagement slot when the spacerelement is housed within the tilt shaft; and wherein the pushboardfurther comprises a pair of engagement pins adapted to project throughaligned engagement apertures and engagement slots to attach the spacerelement to the tilt shafts, each engagement pin being able to slidealong the direction of the respective engagement slot through which itprojects such that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotateindependently within the spacer element.
 11. The vehicle of claim 8wherein the first and second tilt shafts are substantially cylindricaland each comprise at least one engagement aperture; and wherein thespacer element comprises a substantially hollow interior, thesubstantially hollow interior adapted to rotatably house distal ends ofeach tilt shaft therein, the spacer element comprising a pair ofengagement slots positioned on the spacer element substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the spacer element, eachengagement slot being positioned to align with at least one respectiveengagement aperture when the first and second tilt shafts are housedwithin the spacer element; and wherein the vehicle further comprises apair of engagement pins adapted to project through aligned engagementapertures and engagement slots to attach the spacer element to the tiltshafts, each engagement pin being able to slide along the direction ofthe respective engagement slot through which it projects such that eachtilt shaft is able to partially rotate independently within the spacerelement.
 12. The vehicle of claim 8 wherein the spacer element issubstantially cylindrical and comprises at least two engagementapertures; and wherein distal ends of the first and second tilt shaftscomprise substantially hollow interiors, the substantially hollowinterior of the tilt shafts being adapted to rotatably house distal endsof the spacer element therein, the first and second tilt shafts eachcomprising at least one engagement slot positioned substantiallyperpendicular to a direction of projection of the tilt shafts andpositioned to align with at least one respective engagement slot whenthe spacer element is housed within the tilt shafts; and wherein thevehicle further comprises a pair of engagement pins adapted to projectthrough aligned engagement apertures and engagement slots to attach thespacer element to the tilt shafts, each engagement pin being able toslide along the direction of the respective engagement slot throughwhich it projects such that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotateindependently within the spacer element.
 13. The vehicle of claim 9wherein each tilt shaft comprises a pair of opposing engagement slotsnear a distal end of each tilt shaft and each end of the spacer elementcomprises a pair of opposing engagement apertures adapted to align withrespective engagement slots when the tilt shafts are connected to thespacer element.
 14. The vehicle of claim 10 wherein the spacer elementcomprises a pair of opposing engagement slots near each end of thespacer element and each tilt shaft comprises a pair of opposingengagement apertures adapted to align with respective engagement slotswhen the tilt shafts are connected to the spacer element.
 15. Apushboard, comprising: a first platform having a lower surface fromwhich projects a wheel assembly and a first shaft support; and a secondplatform having a lower surface from which projects a wheel assembly anda second shaft support; a first tilt shaft projecting from the firstshaft support and a second tilt shaft projecting from the second shaftsupport, the first and second tilt shafts being connected together by aspacer element; wherein the spacer element and tilt shafts are adaptedsuch that the first tilt shaft and second tilt shaft are capable ofpartially rotating about a longitudinal direction of the pushboardindependently of each other.
 16. The pushboard of claim 15 wherein thefirst and second tilt shafts are substantially cylindrical and eachcomprise at least one engagement slot positioned on each tilt shaftsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of projection of the tiltshafts; and wherein the spacer element comprises a substantially hollowinterior, the substantially hollow interior adapted to rotatably housedistal ends of each tilt shaft therein, the spacer element comprising apair of engagement apertures positioned to align with respectiveengagement slots when the first and second tilt shafts are housed withinthe spacer element; and wherein the pushboard further comprises a pairof engagement pins adapted to project through aligned engagementapertures and engagement slots to attach the spacer element to the tiltshafts, each engagement pin being able to slide along the direction ofthe respective engagement slot through which it projects such that eachtilt shaft is able to partially rotate independently within the spacerelement.
 17. The pushboard of claim 15 wherein the spacer element issubstantially cylindrical and comprises at least two engagement slotspositioned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction ofthe spacer element; and wherein distal ends of the first and second tiltshafts each comprise a substantially hollow interior, the substantiallyhollow interiors of the tilt shafts each being adapted to rotatablyhouse a distal end of the spacer element therein, the first and secondtilt shafts each comprising at least one engagement aperture positionedto align with at least one respective engagement slot when the spacerelement is housed within the tilt shafts; and wherein the pushboardfurther comprises a pair of engagement pins adapted to project throughaligned engagement apertures and engagement slots to attach the spacerelement to the tilt shafts, each engagement pin being able to slidealong the direction of the respective engagement slot through which itprojects such that each tilt shaft is able to partially rotateindependently within the spacer element.
 18. The pushboard of claim 15wherein the first and second tilt shafts are substantially cylindricaland each comprise at least one engagement aperture; and wherein thespacer element comprises a substantially hollow interior, thesubstantially hollow interior adapted to rotatably house distal ends ofeach tilt shaft therein, the spacer element comprising a pair ofengagement slots positioned substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal direction of the spacer element, each engagement slot beingpositioned to align with at least one respective engagement aperturewhen the first and second tilt shafts are housed within the spacerelement; and wherein the pushboard further comprises a pair ofengagement pins adapted to project through aligned engagement aperturesand engagement slots to attach the spacer element to the tilt shafts,each engagement pin being able to slide along the direction of therespective engagement slot through which it projects such that each tiltshaft is able to partially rotate independently within the spacerelement.
 19. The pushboard of claim 15 wherein the spacer element issubstantially cylindrical and comprises at least two engagementapertures; and wherein distal ends of the first and second tilt shaftseach comprise a substantially hollow interior, the substantially hollowinterior of each the tilt shaft being adapted to rotatably house adistal end of the spacer element therein, the first and second tiltshafts each comprising at least one engagement slot positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of projection of the tiltshafts and positioned to align with at least one respective engagementslot when the spacer element is housed within the tilt shafts; andwherein the pushboard further comprises a pair of engagement pinsadapted to project through aligned engagement apertures and engagementslots to attach the spacer element to the tilt shafts, each engagementpin being able to slide along the direction of the respective engagementslot through which it projects such that each tilt shaft is able topartially rotate independently within the spacer element.
 20. Thepushboard of claim 16, wherein each tilt shaft comprises a pair ofopposing engagement slots near a distal end of each tilt shaft and eachend of the spacer element comprises a pair of opposing engagementapertures adapted to align with respective engagement slots when thetilt shafts are connected to the spacer element.
 21. The pushboard ofclaim 17 wherein the spacer element comprises a pair of opposingengagement slots near each end of the spacer element and each tilt shaftcomprises a pair of opposing engagement apertures adapted to align withrespective engagement slots when the tilt shafts are connected to thespacer element.
 22. The pushboard of claim 15 wherein each tilt shaftcomprises at least one lock aperture and the spacer element comprises atleast two lock apertures positioned to align with lock apertures of thetilt shafts when the tilt shafts are connected to the spacer element.23. The pushboard of claim 15 wherein the tilt shafts each comprise apair of opposing lock apertures and the spacer element comprises twopairs of opposing lock apertures, one pair of opposing lock aperturesbeing positioned to align with opposing lock apertures of one tilt shaftand the other pair of opposing lock apertures being positioned to alignwith opposing lock apertures of the other tilt shaft when the tiltshafts are connected to the spacer element via a locking pin projectingthrough the lock apertures.
 24. The pushboard of claim 15 wherein thefirst and second wheel assemblies each comprises a truck that is angledgenerally between 30 and 75 degrees from the respective platform base towhich the wheel assembly is attached.